Write every day, even if it’s terrible | Think Like A Musician

Daniel Breland, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and producer, illustrates how professional growth in the music industry stems from extreme discipline and creative humility. Following a devastating early rejection by executive Lior Cohen, Breland committed to writing one song daily—later increasing to two—resulting in over 700 compositions within two years. This high-volume output, combined with aggressive cold-calling for industry feedback, transformed his technical abilities and understanding of song structure. Central to his philosophy is the concept of "serving the song," an approach that prioritizes the music's needs over the producer's ego. He advocates for stepping back to gain perspective when inspiration wanes, viewing unfinished or "dud" songs as essential precursors to successful ones. Ultimately, the creative process demands a balance of relentless work ethic and the patience to let a song develop in its own time, recognizing that every failed attempt informs future excellence.